Reward increased for killer of animals

As the reward for information in the killing of four wild horses and two burros near Lee Canyon grows, investigators are getting fresh leads into who may have killed the animals.

The reward offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for shooting the animals near a dirt road along Lee Canyon Highway was raised to $6,000 on Thursday.

The Virgina Range Wildlife Protection Association donated $1,000 to the reward money, adding to the U.S. Forest Service, Nevada Humane Society and the National Wild Horse Association's donations.

Investigators had no leads on those responsible for the slaughter of the animals found Dec. 30, but now that's starting to change, Forest Service officer Melody Stehwien said.

"We've actually had a few calls, and we're following up on them," Stehwien said.

Three of the horses killed have been identified as mustangs, while the other was a black stallion. All six animals were between the ages of 2 and 15 years old, and they are believed to have been killed within the last 30 days, Stehwien said.

The animals were found a few miles up State Route 156, west of U.S. 95, off a dirt road in the Spring Mountains National Recreation Area of the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. The four horses have been identified as part of the Wheeler Pass-Wallace Canyon herd, one of three herds roaming in the Lee Canyon area. Combined, the herds include about 50 horses, and there are around 40 burros in the area, according to a 1997 Forest Service census.

Under Nevada Revised Statutes the killing of wild horses or burros is a felony punishable by a $2,000 fine and a possible prison sentence, Stehwien said.

Anyone with information on the animals killed in Lee Canyon can call Forest Service officials at 888-818-8177 or leave an anonymous message after 7 p.m. at 435-652-3119.

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